Manchester United vs Chelsea: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Paul Pogba came back too soon from coronavirus

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba (Getty Images)
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba (Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that they may have rushed Paul Pogba back too soon after the Manchester United midfielder's positive test for coronavirus.

Pogba has not started any of United's last three games, only appearing as a substitute in the wins over Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain and Saturday's goalless draw with Chelsea.

The 27-year-old had previously started United's first three Premier League games despite recovering from the virus only a week before United's season began.

Pogba's performances were criticised in the meetings with Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur that followed, and Solskjaer admitted playing him at the time may have been "unfair".

When asked about the decision to name Pogba on the substitutes bench once again, the United manager said: "When you've got good players it's a nice challenge and a decision to make when you've got good players on the bench that can come on and impact the game.

"I think Paul, all three games this week, he's really come on and made a very positive impact.

"He's been out for a while with coronavirus this summer, so he's getting better and better and maybe more his shape.

"Maybe I was unfair to him starting him that early in the first few games but he's coming on and he's done great when he's come on."

Pogba was one of United's brighter sparks in Saturday's draw at Old Trafford, which saw Mason Greenwood and new signing Edinson Cavani also introduced from the bench.

Donny van de Beek, the £35m summer addition from Ajax, was an unused substitute for the first time and is yet to start either a Premier League or Champions League game for United.

Read more

Solskjaer reacts to Evra ‘life jacket’ criticism after United draw